The state government of Haryana issued an order asking all schools across the state to start only after 10am, on account of the festival of Durga Ashtami. The development comes in view of the special puja performed by devotees on the eighth day of the ongoing festival of Chaitra Navratri. Schools have been asked to function only between 10am and 2.30pm on Tuesday.
The directorate of school education board issued the order late Monday urging all district officials to ensure compliance.
The schools will also remain closed on Wednesday for the festival of Ramnavami. Usually, the schools are closed for Ramnavami and it is rare for a holiday to be announced in account of Ashtami during the Chaitra Navratri. The Ashwin Navratri is more widely celebrated and also accounts for the Bengali Durga Puja celbrations. Most schools and offices generally close down for the Ashwin Ashtami and Navami celebrations.
While most people have welcomed the move, it has caused last-minute adjustments for schools complying with the order. Additionally, the order can also be seen as a step for appeasement of the majority voters.